Working at height, particularly on roofs, is inherently dangerous. In fact, falls from height were the leading cause of workplace fatalities between 2021 and 2022.
One of the most important factors in reducing the potential risk of falls from height is effective, suitable edge protection solutions. As the name implies, these barrier or guardrail type systems, are fitted at the edge of the roof and prevent falls.
But when are guardrail systems appropriate over other types of edge protection? And which other aspects do building owners need to be aware of when installing edge protection? This article answers these specific edge protection questions.
What is edge protection?
Edge protection, often called ‘collective’ protection, describes roof guardrails or barrier systems fitted at the edge of roofs or sudden changes in level to prevent falls.
Edge protection barriers should be prioritised over personal solutions such as lifelines and harnesses, according to the work at height hierarchy of controls, as they require no specialist training or equipment to function effectively.
Guardrails and handrails come in a few different types, including fixed – which are usually drilled or bolted into the roof surface – freestanding, which use weights to remain upright, and collapsible guardrails, which can be folded down where building aesthetics are a concern.
When do you need roof edge protection?
Current guidelines recommend that roof edge protection is implemented around the perimeter of roofs where access might be needed for maintenance or cleaning work. Some standards, such as The Building Regulations, require guardrail on any roof where people may require access.
Guardrail should be fitted wherever is reasonably practical, however no two roofs are the same and a different type of control might be needed.
To identify whether you need roof edge protection or another type of fall protection system, you should have a competent person carry out a full risk assessment that takes into consideration all potential hazards, allowing you to determine the best solution.
What is the minimum height required for roof edge protection?
According to current guidelines, such as The Building Regulations, guardrails should be manufactured to a minimum of 1100mm, and feature two horizontal rails. This will depend on the required application and other factors.
What are the standards for roof edge protection?
There are several standards relating to roof edge protection and rooftop guardrails, including more general legislation such as The Work at Height Regulations and Workplace Health Safety & Welfare Regulations 1992. However, the most relevant are:
Building Regulations Part K (Protection from falling)
According to Part K of the Building Regulations, guardrail must be provided where there are:
- Stairs, ramps, floors which form part of the building, balconies, and any roof which people have access too, as well as
- Any light well, basement area, or similar sunken area to a building
As well as requiring that guardrail have at least two horizontal rails and a minimum height of at least 1100mm, Part K also has a loading criteria of a uniformly distributed load of 1.0kN per m2 and a point load of 0.5.
EN 13374
EN 13374 relates to temporary edge protection systems (those which are freestanding, like the KeeGuard system) and requires those systems to withstand loads applied perpendicular, horizontal and vertically.
EN 13374 outlines requirements for three classes of edge protection systems, Class A (0-10° pitch), Class B (10-30° roof pitch), and Class C (30-45° roof pitch), each of which have a static load requirement, with an additional dynamic load for B and C representing someone rolling down the slope of the roof.
EN 13374 also includes a minimum recommended wind velocity pressure of 0.6N/m. These regulations require the manufacturer demonstrate compliance in their product through testing.
BS 13700:2021
Prior to 2021, there was no standard for temporary freestanding systems used as permanent solutions, and EN 13374 was used as guidance for any freestanding guardrail system, no matter how long it was intended to be used for. This changed with the introduction of BS 13700, which applies to freestanding systems left in place permanently.
BS 13700:2021 requires that:
- Each installation receives site specific wind speed calculations that conform to wind loading criteria set out in BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010
- All installations are designed according to the specific wind calculations in relation to location, the height of the building, and exposure level
- Each installation has a System Technical File, as outlined in BS 7883:2019, which is produced by the designer and given to the duty holder for the life of the system
- The System Technical File is made available to anyone carrying out future inspection and maintenance of the system.
- An annual inspection is carried out on permanently installed counterweighted guardrail to the manufacturer’s recommended examination regime
- Wind calculations be retrospectively applied to verify the original product’s wind design during the annual inspection
It is the building owner’s responsibility to ensure roof guardrail adheres to this new requirement. If you’re concerned your existing system is non-compliant, we can carry out a full guardrail inspection to put your mind at ease.
Do I need to get my guardrail inspected?
The working at height industry recommends that collective edge protection systems such as guardrail be inspected and re-certified every 12 months, depending on how regularly they are used.
Since its introduction in 2021, BS 13700:2021 has required annual inspections of counterweighted, freestanding guardrail systems.
Need roof edge protection advice?
At Harcon Fall Protection & Safety Services, we’ve been installing roof edge protection systems across Manchester and the North East for years. To find out more about our products and solutions, get in touch.